Not world class: Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in action for England (Image: GETTY)

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Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are not world class players, despite admitting earlier this year that it would have been a 'dream' to sign Gerrard.

Ferguson claims Gerrard and Lampard are not 'Top, top" players in world football, but admits they work hard for their clubs.

Ferguson, in his autobiography , writes: "Lampard, for me, was a marvellous servant for Chelsea. But I didn't think of him as an elite international footballer. And I'm one of the few who felt Gerrard was not a top, top player."

But in January of this year, when he was still manager at Manchester United, Fergie admitted that it would have been a major coup for the club to have signed Steven Gerrard: "Could you imagine me going to bed at night having taken Gerrard off Liverpool?

"Along with Graeme Souness, he's probably the best midfield player Liverpool have ever had, although I have Souness just above them all.

"It's amazing that he has played every minute of every game in the Premier League this season - and at the age of 33."

Watch the press conference below

To order your copy of Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography (RRP £25) at the special offer price of £19.99 with free P&P, please call the Mirror Bookshop on 0871 803 6772